Ben goes it alone

He’s been a guest at more concerts and festivals than any of his fans can count but Chalatit “Ben” Tantiwut finally got his turn in the spotlight last Saturday performing in front of a packed Impact Arena in his debut solo concert “Born to Be Ben”. The three-hour concert proved to be one of his most memorable performances, serving up laughter and tears of joy as the singer relived his 13 years in showbiz.

Ben, who recently announced to no one’s surprise that he’s gay, took advantage of this public declaration and turned the show into his own “gay pride” statement, much to the delight of fans. The stage was kept simple with a backdrop of large LED screens and just a back-up band and thankfully avoided the karaoke trap that’s become common at all too many concerts.

The singer was greeted by loud screams and cheers as he emerged on stage singing Rihanna’s “Diamonds” and Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” with the black-suited Ben keeping the dancing sensitively and girly. Next up was a medley of his singles released on the now defunct Bakery Music label including “Pued”, “Khon Thee Kid Thueng”, “Khanan Haeng Cheewit” and “Klai”. 

“Sawasdee krub,” Ben greeted the audience, quickly adding “Oh! I should say Sawasdee ja”.

“When I was told I was getting my own show, I told the Bec-Tero people that it could stage in a small auditorium but they said Impact Arena was the right place for me,” he continued. “To be frank, I was worried that this place was too big and really didn’t think we would be able to sell the tickets. My thanks to all of you for restoring my confidence and making my dream come true.”

Part of that dream was being able to invite all the singers who have influenced him over the years and in a departure from the norm, Ben stayed by their sides the whole time. The first on stage was Rudklao Amratisha who performed a tango with dancers while Ben crooned his single “Puer Arai” then grabbed a microphone to duet with him on “The Prayer”.

“I knew her while I worked with Bakery Music and I appeared as a new artist in an event for which she was the emcee. Later when we were both backstage, Rauklao told me she’s love to have a chance of singing together. I was knocked out.”

He delighted the crowds with “Phor Chan Yang Rak” and “Kluen Jai” before being joined by two members of the Begins band – bassist Apicha “Tong” Suksaengpetch and guitarist Wut Wongsansern – on the acoustic numbers “Hang Klai Luer Kern”, “Rak Khong Ther” and “Chan Deejai Thee Me Ther”.

Ben then ditched the black suit with tassels in favour of a pink version and sang Panrisa “Waii” Thienprasit’s hit “Sear Jai Taey Mai Care”.

His next guest was close pal Pongsak “Aof” Rattanapong and they joined up for an interesting cover of New and Jew’s “Mai Rak Mai Tong”. Ben told the audience that Aof was currently the best singer of sad songs, a reference to the star’s recent experience of being ripped off by a former boyfriend.

“Let’s enjoy sorrow,” said Ben as he and Aof showed their vocal prowess on Aof’s hit “Thaeng Khang Lang Thalu Thueng Huajai”.

Ben’s icon, songs-for-life singer Pongsit Khampee, was next up on stage and they performed Pongsit’s hits “Ma Tam Sanya” and “Talod Wayla”. Ben continued the emotional drama with “Sai Lom Haeng Rak” and “Phieng Kam Diew” before introducing long-time friend Jennifer Kim. She performed the hit “Chua Fah Din Salai” before joining Ben for “Chub Yuei Chan”, with the pair reversing the roles so that Jennifer sang the man’s part while Ben took on the female part.

Thanachai “Pod” Ujjin of Moderndog duetted with Ben on a medley of “Rak Khun Khao Laew” and “Rak Khun Khao Ek Laew” and followed up Ben’s hit “Khon Khang Lang”. 

The crowd rocked but stayed in their seats when Ben upped the beat with “I Will Survive” and “One Night Only” but rose to their feet when Ben reunited with former B5 members Tor Saksit, Q Flure, Marium Alchalali and Cake Uthai for a medley of hits that included “Ya Khao Jai Chan Phid”, “Uan”, “Pha Ched Na” and luk thung tracks “Nan Oak” and “Khor Jai Laek Ber Thor”. 

Ben closed out the concert with “Pleng Chak Khon Thee Phid Wang”, a number that he wrote with Boyd Kosiyabong and reminded fans of his vocal prowess by finishing the number a capella.